きちんとお礼を言う
kichinto orei o iu
The phrase "thank you properly" in Japanese is きちんとお礼を言う (kichinto orei o iu).
This phrase is used when emphasizing the necessity of expressing gratitude in a formal or sincere manner, rather than just a casual "thanks".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kichinto (properly/orderly), orei (gratitude/thanks) and iu (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb iu (to say) changes to itta to form the past tense, resulting in きちんとお礼を言った (said thank you properly). You can also express a desire to express gratitude by adding tai to the verb stem ii, creating きちんとお礼を言いたい (want to say thank you properly).
How do you pronounce it?
kichinto orei o iu
When do people say it?
In Japan, it is customary to bow slightly in return when someone expresses gratitude towards you. When expressing gratitude in a formal context, it is considered respectful to add the suffix -san to a person's name or title.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, 'saying thank you properly' can involve using sumimasen, which literally means 'it is not enough'. This frames gratitude as an apology for the burden placed on the other person.
- While きちんとお礼を言う focuses on the words, a 'proper' thank you in Japan often involves okaeshi, the custom of giving a return gift of roughly half the value of the original gift received.
- In very formal Japanese, saying 'thank you' too many times can actually be seen as improper, as it may suggest the other person has gone to an unnecessary amount of trouble.
Examples in context
- きちんとお礼を言うことが大切です。Kichinto orei o iu koto ga taisetsu desu.It is important to thank someone properly.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about a favor a friend did for them.
- 陽太 Yota助けてくれた彼に、きちんとお礼を言いたいな。tasukete kureta kare ni, kichinto orei o iitai na.I want to thank him properly for helping us.
- 結衣 Yuiいい考えだね。どうやって言うの？ii kangae da ne. dou yatte iu no?That's a good idea. How will you do it?
- 陽太 Yota手紙を書いて、きちんとお礼を言うよ。tegami o kaite, kichinto orei o iu yo.I'll write a letter to thank him properly.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはきっと彼も喜ぶと思うよ。sore wa kitto kare mo yorokobu to omou yo.I'm sure he will be happy about that.
